Julie Morstad

I have yet to meet a Julie Morstad book that I didn’t just swoon over. Her newest book is absolutely no exception. When I heard about its release and that it was a book of poems written by the wonderful Julie Fogliano, I ran to my local independent bookstore and swept up a copy. This is a beautiful collection of “Poems for All Seasons” that combine short, relatable, poems with stunning illustrated snapshots of everyday, seasonal life. Read the full post…

This book has been on the top of my review drafts for a couple weeks now because I am desperately in love with it. While I love picture books and I frequently compare choosing a favorite to the impossibility of choosing a favorite star, occasionally a book will cross my path and completely steal my heart. This is one of them.

Already being a devoted fan of Sara O’Leary and especially Julie Morstad’s work, I frantically jotted this title down the second I heard faint whispers about it coming out. Both creators are Canadian, so it is not always easy to get my hands on their works. Thankfully, bookstores in the US are realizing the power of these picture books and Sadie came out in every independent bookstore I checked (a perk of NYC perhaps).

So, sit down and get ready for me to gush. Or just stop reading now and go buy the book already. That cover alone should scream to you how incredibly stunning this book is in concept and delivery. (And be sure to peek underneath the dust jacket. It will make you smile.) Join me in drooling over This is Sadie by Sara O’Leary and Julie Morstad, 2015. Read the full post…

Today I am feeling short and sweet. And summery too, of course. So although I have mentioned this book here many, many times; I feel the need to devote a review post just to its precious pages. If you are a faithful reader of this blog and you are tired of hearing about this gem, move along for today (but come back Friday for a new post!). If however, you long to dote a little more on this favorite, then stick around for a small but beautiful book. Combining a delightful old poem with sweet, painted illustrations – this book is what childhood summer should feel like. Here is The Swing by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Julie Morstad, 2012. Read the full post…

Spring is in full swing and often it brings baby showers and first birthdays, as well as other random celebrations for little ones. If you know me well, then you know my philosophy is that books are the best gifts. A book is a way to give again and again; something that develops the child; plants memories; and introduces joy, silliness, beauty and so much more. To quote a favorite movie, “When you read a book as a child, it becomes a part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does.”

It is a big responsibility to choose a book for a child; one that too many people take lightly. If you know the family well, you can choose books that you think will fit their personality. But often, you just need some quality books to choose from. Being the kind person I am, I’m letting you in on my secret list – well, at least sixteen from it. There are lots of books that people consider a must for a baby library, many I like and some I really don’t. I have not included the most familiar ones as I find that the parents probably already have those, someone else will gift them, or I just want to give an even more unique one. Here is my top sixteen list of children’s picture books that are excellent baby shower gifts, first birthday gifts, or just because you are cute gifts. Read the full post…

Oh, I have such a sweet book for you today! I’ve been waiting to see this one and the other day I spied it at the library, brand new, and jumped at it. Arriving just last year, but I believe late in the year, this book is a loose companion to this duo’s previous creations, When You Were Small, 2006, and Where You Came From, 2008 . I actually hadn’t seen those yet (so many books, so little time!) but I could not wait to share this one. I know it is a little early to be thinking of Mother’s Day, but if you are ahead of the game add this to your list. I couldn’t wait for my own purchased copy to get here before sharing, so here is When I Was Small by Sara O’Leary, with illustrations by Julie Morstad, 2012.

Or perhaps this post should be called the books I noticed and loved in 2012, as this is definitely not an all-inclusive list of the great books that came out last year. Whatever the title, I feel it necessary and enjoyable to point out a few of my favorite children’s books that 2012 offered. Some I’ve reviewed and will link to, and a couple others I intend on reviewing more in depth in the next few weeks. So here we go – 15 books to enjoy from 2012. Read the full post…

About Me

Hello. I'm Caryn, passionate obsessor of children's picture books and an illustrator. This is where I share my ever-growing knowledge and love of children's books. I'll be reviewing books, sharing tips, and hopefully convincing the world of the loveliness of picture books.

Happy Juneteenth! On this important day commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States, one book came to mind immediately. Take a glimpse of this difficult, beautiful, and necessary book: Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson, 2011.

A beautifully narrated and breathtakingly illustrated biography about Pura Belpré – the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. This book is a must see: Planting Stories The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrations by Paola Escobar.

An incredible non-fiction picture book about the history of the Negro Leagues. A hefty book in size and information, overflowing with breathtaking paintings by Kadir Nelson, this is a book not to be missed by baseball lovers everywhere.

A special new book. A charming story about a little boy encountering a girl with noticeable disability and learning that making friends is not as hard as it feels sometimes. This book is like illustrated role-play, teaching how to handle specific situations. It opens conversations. It puts things into words that we don’t even know how to ask. And this book breaks several picture book “rules” for some really good reasons. Check out When Charley Met Emma by Amy Webb, illustrated by Merrilee Liddiard.

Today I wrestle with how to share a brilliantly clever, marvelously illustrated book. It is a story, quite simply, about walls. It is a surprising story, a hilarious story, a fun and thought-provoking story. Don’t miss this one. It is worth reading, talking about with everyone, and reading aloud to anyone: The Wall in the(…)

The newest one to our stack is Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968 by Alice Faye Duncan, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, 2018. It is a lengthier picture book, a combination of poetry and prose, based on a teacher who participated in the strike and marches in Memphis as a child. Come learn along with me.

Today’s book is another well-known song, this time without explanation; but rather exquisitely illustrated, depicting a beautiful interpretation of the song’s message of faith, trust, family, and nature.